Conversations with Neil's Brain: The Natural Nature of Thought and Language Book

In a series of stories before, after, and even during neurosurgery, an epileptic patient, Neil; his surgeon, George Ojemann; and neuroscientist William Calvin work together to remove a portion of Neilâ??s temporal lobe. If they do it right, they will have a good chance of putting an end to Neilâ??s seizures. If they slice too far to the left or right, they will wipe out essential parts of Neilâ??s memory, or his ability to follow a joke to the punch line, or maybe his ability to recognize his wifeâ??s face. In essence, they can erase or alter parts of Neil.Conversations with Neilâ??s Brain takes us inside the operating room and allows us to be part of this eerie process of discovery, using it to provide a unique window on human consciousness and the nature of human identity. The mapping of Neilâ??s brain brings to life as never before the astounding specificity by which the brian operates, making clear why language, memory, and decision making are so complex, and why the cures for such ailments as learning disabilities, mental disorders, Alzheimerâ??s, and strokes continue to elude the worldâ??s best medical efforts. In the context of this unique surgical drama, Conversations with Neilâ??s Brain unfolds as an intensely compelling read.Read More